NTA begins push to strengthen examination security, revamps exam team

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday announced a major overhaul of its examination team and security processes, saying it had removed around 600 experts previously involved in guiding the preparation of its various examinations and begun bringing in new experts.

An official release said Education Minister Pralhad Joshi reviewed the agency’s preparations during a follow-up meeting on Tuesday and directed officials to ensure that all necessary security and infrastructure arrangements were put in place for the smooth conduct of examinations.

The NTA conducts several major entrance and eligibility tests, including JEE-Main, NEET-UG, CUET and UGC-NET, New Indian Express reported.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh informed the minister about several measures introduced by the agency. These include a proposed four-tier system for checking question papers to strengthen scrutiny and reduce the scope for errors or security lapses.

The agency is also expected to induct between 20 and 25 additional officials over the next two to three weeks, while plans for further recruitment and expansion were also reviewed.

As part of efforts to strengthen physical security, the NTA plans to shift its office from Okhla to Minto Road. Security at the new premises is expected to be reinforced with the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force personnel.

On Monday, Joshi had directed the agency to conduct a comprehensive audit of all its examination processes and submit an action-taken report within a month.